How would Manuel Lanzini fit into Tottenham side?

The Mirror has reported that Mauricio Pochettino is keenly interested in securing the services of Manuel Lanzini, West Ham’s most creative and skilled midfielder.

With the winter transfer window looming, Spurs are exploring avenues that would strengthen their already deep and proficient side. And what better place to look than across the capital, where Lanzini is gaining ubiquitous attention.

Liverpool have also shown an interest in the shifty, diminutive talent. Everton were denied their earlier attempt to lure the Argentinian away from the East London club. Spurs, if the speculation has a morsel of truth to it, would be a befitting suitor of the midfielder’s creative genius.

The gaffer and Lanzini are compatriots, which, if nothing else, offers a tactic connection. He is also at the upper end of the age bracket that appeals most to Pocehttino. At 24, Lanzini is still a few years away from reaching his prime, affording Pochettino the luxury to slightly mold him how he sees fit.

David Moyes will do everything in his dour power to make sure his best player doesn’t go anywhere, which includes offering the a £50,000 per week pay rise. Lanzini is earning a miserly £35,000 per week, a total expected to more than double.

Lanzini’s contract doesn’t expire until 2020, but that won’t have much bearing on whether West Ham’s midfield maestro stays of goes. That will more depend on the transfer amount a potential suitor brings to the table, in conjunction, of course, with a hefty pay rise.

But how, as a preferred No. 10, would Lanzini fit into a Spurs side featuring Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen? Alli has that particular role locked down, with Erisken also a permanent fixture in Spurs’ attacking midfield.

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Lanzini has played on the wing before, but with far less joy. He is most comfortable roaming the center of the park just behind the frontman. Even with his abundant skill set, he would have an almost impossible task to unseat Eriksen or Alli from their current roles.

Would Lanzini be satisfied with playing second fiddle to Alli and Eriksen, biding his time while waiting for an opportunity to show his first-team worth? It’s difficult to say, but a lot would depend on how highly he regards Pochettino and how strongly he wants to become a Tottenham player.

Lanzini has to understand that a starting spot would not be guaranteed. On the contrary, Lanzini, at least during the nascent stage of his Spurs career,  could be one of the league’s most expensive reserves, further emphasizing just how impressive Pochettino’s starting 11 is.

Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself a wee bit, though.